CSK full squad SWOT analysis after 2024 IPL auctions

Chennai Super Kings is one of the most successful IPL franchises since its inaugural edition and will be the defending champions in the upcoming 2024 edition. This MS Dhoni-led franchise has won 5 IPL titles till now and has been a case study on how to form a champion franchise and carry on its legacy.

Coming into this year’s auction CSK has some gaps to fill in their bowling and batting departments which they managed to do to a great extent. Entering the auction with a purse of 32 crore CSK pulled off a steal by getting Rachin Ravindra for 1.8 crore and also managed the services of Daryl Mitchell for a whopping 14 crore. 

Let’s do a SWOT analysis of the CSK to find their chances of lifting the trophy again for the 6th time in the upcoming edition of the IPL.

Strengths

- The biggest strength of CSK which has been since the inaugural edition has been MS Dhoni. CSK as a franchise is not known to have many big players in their squad but the captaincy prowess of MS Dhoni and his ability to get the best out of even an average player is what differentiates him from other franchises.

- CSK will be playing most of their matches in Chennai which is known to suit spinners. With the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Ajinkya Rahane CSK boasts of a strong batting order that plays spin well. 

- CSK have all the bases covered in their pace and spin bowling 

- With the inclusion of Shardul Thakur CSK has further strengthened their all-rounder options which gives you an edge in the T20I format.

 Weakness

- One of its major problems is its lack of quality backup pace options in case of a breakdown to its main bowlers like Deepak Chahar and Matheesh Pathirana who are prone to injuries. 

- Also they still don’t have quality death bowling options and CSK might struggle on conditions that don’t suit spinners

 Opportunities

- CSK has had some new inductees in the form of Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra. Both these players played exceptionally well during the recently concluded ODI World Cup and if both of them settle into the team they could have a long tie-up with this iconic franchisee. 

Threats

The biggest fear or threat for CSK management and fans in the recent past has been the lack of captaincy options apart from MS Dhoni. Dhoni has been seen struggling with his knees in the previous edition of the IPL and he recently had knee surgery. 

In case Dhoni does not recover in time or if he may miss some matches of the tournament then CSK could get into trouble as they do not have a suitable alternate to MS Dhoni. CSK has tried Jadeja in the past as CSK’s captain but that move didn’t reap much rewards.